The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday, June 1, 2026.
The directive, issued by the national leadership of the union, is in protest against the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted in the state, whose rescue and safe return, according to the union, remain uncertain.
The NUT said the prolonged detention of the victims has created fear and anxiety among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and heightened tension across affected communities.
The industrial action comes despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive on Sunday for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards as part of efforts to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the NUT, Oyo State Wing, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the union said the strike was intended to draw the government’s attention to the urgent need for intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release.
“The industrial action is aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abductees without further delay,” the statement read.
The union urged all teachers to comply fully with the directive, remain law-abiding, and stay safe in their homes throughout the strike period.
It also reaffirmed its solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils, and their families, stressing that it would continue lawful engagements with relevant authorities until the victims regain their freedom.
The NUT further assured members of its unwavering commitment to protecting the welfare, safety, and security of teachers and learners across the country.
Meanwhile, a Federal Government delegation on Sunday visited Ogbomoso to meet with community leaders and families of teachers and pupils abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.
The delegation was led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Delivering President Tinubu’s message to the community, Gbajabiamila said the President shared in their grief and understood the pain they were experiencing.
He stated that the President had directed all security agencies to deploy every necessary resource to rescue the abducted teachers and pupils and ensure their safe return.
Also, on Saturday, Governor Seyi Makinde visited Ogbomoso and reassured residents that his administration would continue to pursue every available avenue to secure the release of the victims.
Addressing members of the community, the governor appealed for patience, understanding, and cooperation, urging residents to avoid apportioning blame to either the federal or state government and instead unite behind ongoing rescue efforts.
Makinde sympathised with the affected families and the wider community, describing the incident as unprecedented, particularly because it involved the abduction of young schoolchildren.
